Preparing for Your First Dialysis Treatment – What to Expect and How to Get Ready

10/09/2025

If you’re reading this, chances are you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney disease and may soon need dialysis. Whether it’s caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5 or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the transition into dialysis treatment is a major step, but one that can be manageable with the right support.

This guide helps patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals understand how to prepare, emotionally, physically, and logistically, especially if you’re exploring home dialysis options like home hemodialysis (HHD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Why Is Preparing for Dialysis So Important?

Dialysis is a life-sustaining process that replaces the function of failing kidneys by removing waste, excess fluid, and toxins from the body. When kidneys can no longer function properly due to advanced kidney disease, a nephrologist will help determine the best treatment options, which typically include:

Hemodialysis (HD) – Performed in a dialysis center or at home
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
Kidney Transplant – A surgical procedure to replace the failed kidney

Being mentally and physically prepared makes a big difference. Research shows that patients who start dialysis with comprehensive education and emotional readiness experience better treatment adherence, reduced hospitalizations, and improved quality of life.

What to Expect at Your First Dialysis Session

If You’re Starting In-Center Hemodialysis:

Your first treatment may include:

A pre-treatment check: blood pressure, weight, and temperature
Cleansing and connecting your vascular access (catheter, AV fistula, or graft)
Blood being cycled through a dialyzer (artificial kidney)
A session lasting 3 to 5 hours

Common side effects during the first few sessions may include:

Low blood pressure
Fatigue
Muscle cramping

If You’re Starting Home Dialysis:

Initial treatments are supervised by your care team following several days or weeks of training. These sessions may be:

Shorter and more frequent than in-center sessions
Tailored to your schedule

Medical Preparation Before Starting Dialysis

How Is Dialysis Access Created?

Before dialysis can begin, your nephrologist will arrange for a vascular access point. Types include:

Access Type	Description	Duration	Complications
AV Fistula	Connection between an artery and vein	Long-term	Fewest complications
Graft	Synthetic tube between artery and vein	Intermediate-term	Higher clot risk
Catheter	Tube in large vein (neck or chest)	Temporary	Higher infection risk

According to the CDC, proper care of vascular access reduces infection risk. Patients are trained to inspect for redness, swelling, or pain.

Additional pre-treatment steps may involve:

Blood tests and imaging
Nutritional evaluation by a renal dietitian
Counseling about treatment options and advance care planning

Emotional & Lifestyle Readiness for Dialysis

How Can You Prepare Mentally for Dialysis?

Dialysis doesn’t just change your medical routine, it impacts your mental health, work, diet, and lifestyle. Here’s how to adapt:

Mental Health: Counseling, support groups, or journaling can reduce anxiety. The Journal of Renal Care links psychological readiness with improved outcomes.
Work & Routine: Many patients continue working. Home dialysis enables flexible scheduling around daily life.
Nutrition: A renal diet typically limits sodium, phosphorus, potassium, and fluid intake.
Travel: PD is especially travel-friendly. Some centers assist traveling patients for in-center HD.

Tips to Make Your First Dialysis Session More Comfortable

What Should I Bring to My First Dialysis Session?

Here’s a checklist:

Wear: Loose-fitting clothes with easy access to your access site
Bring:
- Blanket or sweater (rooms may be cold)
- Entertainment: books, podcasts, or headphones
- Kidney-friendly snacks (if allowed)
- A water bottle (if within fluid limits)
Before:
- Eat a light meal
- Follow your fluid restrictions
- Arrange transportation if needed
After:
- Rest and monitor your access site
- Avoid heavy physical activity

What Are the Benefits of Home Dialysis?

Home dialysis allows for more control, freedom, and better health outcomes. Your care team will guide training and support.

Comparison of Home Dialysis Options:

Feature	Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)	Home Hemodialysis (HHD)
How It Works	Uses abdominal lining and dialysate fluid	Filters blood via compact machine
Frequency	Daily or nightly exchanges	3-6 sessions per week
Dietary Restrictions	Fewer	Moderate
Travel-Friendliness	High	Moderate
Training Time	1-2 weeks	3-5 weeks
Equipment Needed	Cycler or manual setup	Portable HD machine

Why Dialyze Direct Is the Best Partner for Your Dialysis Journey

At Dialyze Direct, we make home dialysis care personal, professional, and supportive. home hemodialysis, our team brings quality healthcare right to your doorstep.

Note: We only provide Hemodialysis Services

Why Patients Choose Us:

Personalized dialysis treatment plans
Skilled nephrologists, nurses, and care technicians
We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance
Comprehensive training for patients and caregivers
24/7 access to support and troubleshooting

Ready to Start Dialysis with Confidence?

Your dialysis journey doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With Dialyze Direct, you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way, from preparing your vascular access to receiving safe and effective treatment at home.

Contact us today to learn how you can begin dialysis in the comfort of your home with care, confidence, and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to expect on your first dialysis treatment?

You may feel nervous, but staff will guide you through the process. Expect vital checks, needle insertion, and a 3–4 hour treatment session.

2. What is the procedure for first dialysis?

The procedure involves placing needles into your access site, connecting you to a dialysis machine, and filtering your blood to remove waste and excess fluid

3. What is the syndrome after first dialysis?

Some patients experience dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, causing headache, nausea, or fatigue due to rapid toxin removal, but it’s usually mild and temporary.

4. Is first dialysis painful?

You might feel discomfort from needle insertion, but the procedure itself isn’t painful. Most patients relax or rest during the session.

5. Will I feel better after my first dialysis treatment?

Yes, many feel relief from symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or swelling. Full improvement may take a few sessions as your body adjusts.

6. Is dialysis hard on your heart?

Long-term dialysis can impact heart health, especially with fluid shifts. Proper management and regular monitoring help reduce cardiovascular risks.

Sources:

Dr. Allen Kaufman

Dr. Allen Kaufman is the Chief Medical Officer and Senior VP for Clinical & Scientific Affairs at Dialyze Direct, with over four decades of experience in Nephrology. He began his career in 1980 and has held leadership roles including Chief of Nephrology & Hypertension at Beth Israel Medical Center (1998–2004), Chief of Dialysis at the Bronx VA Medical Center (1982–1990), and Chief of the Yorkville Dialysis Unit at Beth Israel and the Renal Research Institute (1990–2000). Dr. Kaufman has authored over 100 scientific publications and served as Principal or Co-Investigator on numerous NIH-funded research studies. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, he is board-certified in Nephrology and Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Mount Sinai in New York. Dr. Kaufman is widely recognized with multiple “Best Doctor” and “Patients’ Choice” awards.